Chance an extremely variable applicant with strange ECs. Also help find a better list of unis to apply to [CA resident, 3.42 GPA (3.76/4.03/4.52 for UC); math + ? major]

[DramaMama2021]

Old thread explanation for low freshman GPA:
Continuing the discussion from Is this Sophomore on track for T20s and OxBridge?:

@omar_fish

I’m currently not overworking myself and I know I am not by seeing how I’m managing to run a record label while taking a bunch of higher level classes at my school lmao. Like many other people who are diagnosed as being gifted, I often struggle at academics when the classes are easier which is why I struggled so much at my freshman year of high school as I was unable to take any honors level courses due to me struggling so much in middle school (thanks pandemic)

When I had the ability to take classes that were at my level, I discovered that I actually do have the ability to succeed in my classes, but classes at a level “below me” were extremely difficult for some reason that I cannot describe. That’s why I’m so confident in my ability to succeed in high school despite a low initial GPA as now that I have the freedom to select the most difficult classes I can, I’m actually able to enjoy my classwork.

If I’m not on track for the T20s right now, what do you encourage me to do? Although I know not much can be done about a poor freshman year GPA, I’m confident that the colleges would be willing to overlook a poor first semester of sophomore year due to me not having access to reliable utilities, something that would most likely cause anyone to have a dip in their GPA.

This thread’s explanation of the freshman year GPA differs.:

@omar_fish

Extenuating circumstances:
1: Freshman year of school a lot of my closest friends OD’d or had alcohol poisoning. It’s hard to get good grades when you have to drive to the hospital every other week lol. Also more weirdness related to a girl but I am probably not going to bring that up
2: First semester of Sophomore year I moved across the country and lived in an Air BnB with really unreliable electricity and internet.

It’s difficult for posters to help you if we don’t have the facts. Although the above explanations may both be true, it does seem OP may be looking for a compelling narrative to game the system?

Bottom line, I don’t think either story would prompt a GC to address extenuating circumstances… which is ideal if there are valid life challenges affecting GPA.

Since you don’t know a budget, I think it’s best to assume a budget under $10k. Which means CC to UC/CSU or a school that meets full financial need (difficult admittance with current stats but absolutely worth trying) or schools that offer merit for your stats (stay focused on getting your GPA up and prep for SAT/ACT).

You have many schools to research. I hope you’ll continue to update so we can follow your interesting journey.